Tray-like support



July 14, 1931. E. A. LEARY 1,814,252

TRAY LI KE SUPPORT Filed Oct. 10. 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 [2&0 v 2/ 20 2 1 z j I i figl.

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Que 10 A Patented July 14, 1931 UNITED STATES EUGENE A. LEARY, OF. CINCINNATI, OHIO TRAY-LIKE SUPPORT Application filed October. 10, 1928. Serial No. 311,446.

An object of this invention is to provide a devlce adapted for various uses 1n manufacturing plants and the like, for holding,

stacking and transporting various articles I and products that may be placed in or upon the device embodying the invention.

Generally, the device of the invention comprises a tray-like structure provided with suitable appurtenances whereby the device 'may be moved about from place to place by means of cranes, lifting trucks, or other devices of those types. I

An object of the invention is to provide individual tray-like members which may be stacked or nested upon one another whereby to form a series of shelves or supports, capable of movement from place to place either individually or in stacks, by means of e i any of the indicated or similar moving means or carries.

Before proceeding with a detailed explanation, attention is directed to the fact that in various manufacturing plants, and especially in foundries, it is common to handle or work upon various articles that are individw ally and collectively very heavy. Platforms and the like with which lift trucks may be used, are generally demolished in a short period of time. Further, platforms of that character are generally incapable of being moved by means of traveling cranes such as are commonly used in foundries and the larger manufacturing plants. Furthermore, platforms of the character indicated are incapable of vertical stacking or nesting.

With the foregoing in mind, the invention will be explained in detail.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 shows in elevation, a device embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 shows an enlarged plan View of the device shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view on line 33 of Fig. 2 showing a plurality of devices ofthe invention in stacked or nested relationshi l ig. 4 is a top elevational View of a modified form of the device.

The device of invention, indicated generally as 10, is of tray-like construction and comprises a fiat body or bed portion 11 provided with a plurality of. openings 12. Said openings are provided for the purpose of reducing the weight of the device, which is preferably of cast steel, and also forthe purpose'of permitting particles of molding sand, metal chips, and the like, to fall therethrough. The body or bed portion 11 is bounded by upwardly and outwardly inclined side walls 15, 16, 25 and 26. i

Extending upwardly from the top edges 13 and 14 of side walls 15 and 16, respectively, are pairs of perforate lugs by means of which the device may be lifted bodily for moving same from place to place. Said lugs are indicated by numerals 17, 18, 19 and'20, and the perforations therein, by numeral 21. 1 It should be clearly apparent that to move a device of this invention from place to place, hooks supported on the chains of a crane or j the like may be inserted in the apertures 21 of the lugs, whereupon the device may be safely and conveniently lifted. When it is desired to lift a plurality of nested trays, the hooks may engage the lugs of the lowermost tray (see Fig. 3).

Suitable legs or support-s such as 22, depend from the lower face of body 11. The legs or supports 22 are so spaced and positioned that I when one of the trays is placed upon another,

the legs of the upper tray will rest upon the body or bed'portion 11 of the lower tray,'at points adjacent the juncture of the bed portion and inclined side walls 15 and 16. The legs are preferably of a length approximately two and one-halftim'es the depth of the body. portion measuring from the upper edge or rim 23, tothe under face thereof indicated at 27. Accordingly, when a plurality of trays are nested upon one another as shown in Fig. 3, a space 26 is provided between'adjacent trays, through which space variousarticles may be introduced for filling the trays. I It should be clear from the foregoing that in a shop or foundry where various articles are being handled, said articles may be placed in the proper ones of a plurality of nested trays, and the trays thereafter transportech'individ ually' or collectively by means of a crane or the like, to various parts of the factory. As

assist in reducing the weight of the trays.

Strengthening ribs 29 are provided upon the inclined sides and 16 at points adjacent the legs 22 and lugs such as 1'1 15 As previously stated, the devices are preferably formed of cast steel in order to insure the greatest possible strength at a minimum of expense. The devices however may be cast of other metals, and, for light work, 2; may be fabricated by other means, such as by stamping or otherwise forming thern from sheet material. It should be noted also that the devices may be made in various sizes, according to the nature of their use.

The disclosure in Fig. 4 represents a modified form of the, device wherein the inclined sides 15, 16, 25 and 26 are eliminated. In this modification, 80 represents a substantially flatbed portion provided with the perforate 311 depending legs 22 and lifting lugs 17, 18., 19

and 20. Suitable reinforcing ribs 31 are provided on the under side of the platform.

It is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the struc- Sggtural details of the device without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the class described, the

mcombination of a perforate platform havinga substantially flat upper surface and a re: inforcing ribbed under. surface, lifting lugs extending upwardlyf rom the substantially flat upper surface, and integral depend ng qr legs on'the under. surface said legs being so disposed relative to the lifting lugs that a plurality of platforms may be stacked vertis cally with the legs of one platform disposed between the lugs of another platform. a

2. :In adevice of the class described, the combination of a platform having asubstantially flat upper surface, lifting lugs extends ing upwardly from said surface, andintegral depending legs. on'the platform, said legs be- 6,- ing so disposed relative to the lifting lugs that a plurality of identical platforms may be 1 stacked with the legs of one platform disposed between the. lugs of an adjacent plat-, form.

3. In a tray of the class describechthe com? bination of a substantially flat body portion having upper and lower faces, legs depending from the lower face of the body portion and adapted to rest upon the upper faceof a sub- '55; j ac ent similar tray, upwardly and outwardly inclined side and end walls bordering the body portion, the-side wallsbeing wide and slightly inclined relative to the plane of the body portion, so as to provide an extending surface for initially supporting a similar tray when superposed thereon in imperfect ly from the outer edges of the side adapted toi'est upon the upper face of asubjaeentsirnilar tray, upwardly and outwardly inclined side walls bordering the body portion, the side walls being :wide and slightly inclinedrelative to the plane of the body portion, so as to provide an'extending surface for initially supporting a similar tray when superposed thereon in imperfect nesting relation, and lifting lugs extending upwardly from the outer edges of the side walls, said lugs lying in planes sufiiciently removed from the planes of the legs to, rendersaid lugs read: y acce sible for a tac en to a lifting means without interference with, the legs,

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto sub: scribed my name this 19th day of-September,

' EUGENE A. L A 

